On Thursday, May 8, a line of people waiting for a taste of artisan treats wrapped around McClaskey Culinary Institute and into Gaiser Hall. The annual Baking Capstone, led by Chef Alison Dolder, is one of the biggest culinary events of the year.

Second-year baking students spent weeks testing recipes for their very own pop-up menus. One student created a fairy forest, pastries arranged on stumps, and red button mushrooms sprouting from the table. Another decorated eclairs like dachshunds. Yet another fused Mexican flavors with Viennoiserie, serving elote and concha flavored croissants.

“I learned I’m more capable than I thought I was”

While stressful to take charge of their own pop-ups, meeting the challenge gave students confidence.

Student Andrew Kehler, above, who presented a table bursting with artisan breads in baskets and on bamboo cutting boards, said, “I learned I’m more capable than I thought I was. I was telling my classmates, “It’s freaking me out, it’s kind of scary…everything turned out perfectly fine.”

Katelynn House, above, who showed a variety of creative Viennoiserie, shared, “The first few weeks I was trying things out, practicing. Then, the last couple of weeks I really cracked down. Then today came along, and it was a ride. But I did finish on time, and it’s beautiful.”

Katelynn’s favorite bake? The orange cinnamon rolls.

It was clear how much Chef Melanie Hendry inspired the students. Kehler said, “I chose to do bread for my pop-up because it is one of the activities that most resonated with me in the bakery. Chef Melanie showed a passion for it, and it kind of rubbed off on me… I love that I can take my time with bread. You kind of get to know it more intimately… it is a lot of concentration, knowing what you’re doing… taking your time, being patient with it and working with it.”

Kehler was most proud of the cinnamon sugar monkey bread, which he said was a surprise that came together at the last minute.

Leaving a legacy with a cookbook zine

This year, Chef Melanie collaborated with librarians Andrea Berg and Katy Anastasi on a new idea: a cookbook zine. Over several months, the librarians hosted workshops guiding students to design uniquely colorful pages. Captivated, the students spent hours in the library gluing, cutting, and drawing pages with pop-up recipes, stories, jokes, and coloring pages.

The zine—titled “Eat the Pastriarchy”—inspired sprawling conversations about collaboration, legacy, creativity, and privacy.

A copy of the zine will be archived in the zine collection in Cannell Library, so anyone can sneak a peek at the students’ baking secrets.

Berg shared, “The library was excited to support and excited to feature the cookbook zine in our zine library as another way for these bakers to have a lasting legacy at Clark. We had so much fun working with the baking students, they were so creative and supportive of each other and were excited about the zine project as a way to celebrate their own work and inspire future generations of Clark bakers.”

When the librarians brought the finished zines to the capstone, the students immediately circled to rifle through the pages and see their work in print, giggling and showing their friends and family.

About Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute

At the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College, we are building on nearly 60 years of excellence in culinary education to offer programs that prepare students to meet the growing demand for culinary and hospitality professionals. Our programs emphasize the mastery of the fundamentals as well as management and critical thinking skills to prepare students for a range of career opportunities.

Working in a new state-of-the-art facility, students gain real-world experience in high-volume food production, service, and retail settings. The Culinary Institute also creates a community space on campus that highlights the growing influence of food on our culture while giving students valuable hands-on experience in a production kitchen, retail bakery, food kiosks, and a full-service dining room.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Clark College Foundation 

Penguins Give 2025 was a success, and it’s all thanks to YOU! 

Together, 255 donors raised $47,305 to support Clark students. As of May 7, gifts ranged from $5 to $5,000 and every single one made a difference. 

Top areas of support included (by total gifts): 

• Julian Nelson Memorial Scholarship: 66 gifts 
• Clark College General Scholarship Fund: 31 gifts 
• The Clark Fund: 24 gifts 
• Athletic Scholarships:21 gifts 
• MESA Program: 20 gifts 

Bonus Wins 

• Washington Trust Bank made an early morning 2-to-1 match available—completed within hours! 
• Umpqua Bank’s Coffee Break Challenge awarded an extra $500 to the Julian Nelson Memorial Scholarship. 
• The Northwest Wine and Food Society’s Happy Hour Challenge added another $500 to support the MESA Program. 
• Vanessa Neal’s (Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) name was drawn after Take Your Child to Work Day activities making her the winner of the iQ Credit Union Employee Challenge and earning ODEI an extra $500. 
• Multiple major matches helped boost donations across critical areas like the Penguin Pantry, Basic Needs Hub, Clark College Student Success Fund, and Arts@Clark. 

Partnership Magic: Once again, we partnered PenguinsGive with Take Your Child to Work Day, creating an incredible buzz and energy on campus. Watching our next generation engage with the spirit of philanthropy and community was truly inspiring. 

Leadership Matters: Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the leadership teams and boards at Clark College and the Clark College Foundation. Your investment, enthusiasm, and trust made this year’s PenguinsGive not just successful—but transformational. 

Thank you to every donor, advocate, volunteer, and supporter who helped us make this milestone possible. You’re the reason the Penguin Nation  waddles more impressively every year. 

Your generosity helps students pursue their goals, overcome obstacles, and build brighter futures. Thank you for showing up. 

About Clark College Foundation 
Clark College Foundation (CCF) is an independent, self-governed nonprofit that partners with Clark College to improve higher education access, student success, and community engagement. In the 2023–2024 school year, CCF distributed $1.6 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to hundreds of students. The Foundation contributed $4.8 million in total support to the college that same year. 

Make a Donation
If you miss this year’s PenguinsGive campaign, you can still donate to support your favorite Clark College program or project here.

On a sunny spring evening this past Friday, May 2, Clark art students, faculty, and Foundation staff gathered at Art at the Cave for the opening of “The Day After Tomorrow: Art and Mentorship at Clark College”. It’s a benefit exhibition supporting the College via the Foundation through the sales of exhibited works.

The exhibit, organized by the Foundation, the Art Department, and Art at the Cave under the Arts@Clark initiative, explores the relationship between mentors and mentees.

How Faculty and Students Worked Together

Faculty and student artists were paired to work in parallel over the past several weeks. The gallery then displayed the art side by side in the gallery. For most of the students, this was the very first gallery exhibition of their work.

Gabe Parque, one of the faculty members, said, “I like to see what the students are interested in then guide them… Alex is very good at taking my advice or not.”

Alex Frederickson, Gabe’s student mentee, laughed at the observation and said that of all the faculty members they’ve worked with, Gabe’s instructional style works the best for her.

Another faculty mentor, Kendra Larson, shared that her collaboration with student Hana Lowenthal involved ‘a lot of texting.’ She noted that they share a similar creative process—producing a large volume of work, then selecting the best pieces to exhibit.

How Arts@Clark Made it Happen

Ruth Wikler, Clark College Foundation’s inaugural Director of Arts Programming, Partnerships, & Philanthropy, worked with gallery owner Anne John to design the event. She said, “Through my role at Clark College Foundation, I have the privilege of helping bridge College and Community through the arts in ways that are both innovative and inspiring… This effort has been more than a year in the making, and it has come to fruition through a unique collaboration.”

She added, “The exhibit’s focus on mentorship—pairing faculty with students—beautifully reflects Clark’s mission and the transformational power of arts education. Witnessing the impact of this work come to life at Friday’s opening was an unforgettable moment of shared joy and pride.”

Organizers shared, however, that the show is only “the first of many collaborations between Clark College Arts programs, Clark College Foundation, and the community of Southwest Washington under the new Arts@Clark initiative.”

About Arts@Clark

Arts@Clark is a new initiative that unites Clark College’s arts programs, the Clark College Foundation, and the Southwest Washington community through the arts. Stay tuned for exciting events coming in summer and fall 2025.

About Art at the Cave

Art at the Cave is a gallery owned by artist Anne John. Located in downtown Vancouver just steps from the library, the gallery is community-centered and beyond rotating gallery exhibits, hosts a variety of arts programming, including a poetry open mic, collage nights, meditation sessions, and more.

Art at the Cave partners with a nonprofit each year to put on an exhibition and donate part of the profits. This year, that beneficiary was the Foundation.

Come Visit the Exhibit Through May 31

The exhibit will be on display through the rest of May.

Art at the Cave
108 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660
https://artatthecave.com/

Gallery hours:
Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Congratulations to Clark College’s Surveying and Geomatics team who earned top honors at a prestigious national competition held over spring break, taking first place at the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) 24th Annual Student Competition.

Accompanied by Professor Brian Miyake, six Clark students traveled to Silver Spring, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., to compete against 25 academic teams from across the country. Clark College was the only school representing Washington or Oregon—and the competition marked the college’s first-ever entry into the event.

Clark’s first-place Surveying & Geomatics team:

• Robert Clapham, Class of 2026
• Eli Deschand, Class of 2025
• Rebecca Dunphy, Class of 2025
• Trevor Geivett, Class of 2025
• Brian Hankins, Class of 2026
• Milad Sadegi, Class of 2026

Clark’s team received support to attend the competition from the following:

• Land Surveyors Association of Washington
• Minister & Glaeser Surveying. Inc.
• PBS Engineering and Environmental 
• Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon
• S & F Land Services
• Westlake Consultants, Inc. 

“I am so proud of our Clark College students and their outstanding performance in this national competition. Most of the students had never visited D.C. before, so it was a completely new place for them to practice their surveying skills amongst so many historical sites,” Professor Miyake said. “The team showed exemplary professionalism, teamwork and survey ability in timed events and in the local D.C. community, while representing our state and college with pride and confidence.”

The competition consisted of one day of monument scavenger hunt and one day of technical field exercises–with students utilizing historical and modern survey instruments to complete tasks. A course was laid out on Capitol Mall between the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.

Day 1: Monument Hunt. The first portion of the competition was a staged scavenger hunt.

• A list of D.C.-area monuments were assigned a point value and provided the day before the event.
• Monuments farther away or more logistically challenging were assigned higher values due to the risk of finding fewer of them.
• Monuments selected are older and are significant to the history of surveying in the area.
• Teams were released from the hotel in 30-minute increments and had six hours to complete their task. Teams were provided Metro public transit cards. No other mode of transportation was allowed. Teams had to stay together.
• Scoring: Teams accumulated points based on the point values of the monuments visited.
• Teams proved they reached the monument by taking a photo with a timestamp or a group photo in front of the monument. Extra points were provided for social media posts with those photos using #NSPS and #YSN.

Day 2: Measurement Exercises. The second portion of the competition was a four-part timed exercise to evaluate students’ technical ability while requiring some knowledge of historical concepts. Transportation and equipment were provided.

1. Route layout: Students were asked to layout a route using a baseline and plans provided using a Trimble Robotic Total Station. Performance was graded on the accuracy of calculated points versus plan and amount completed in time allotted.
2. Traverse: Students were asked to perform a four-sided traverse with a chain and compass. Performance was graded on the following criteria: closure, accuracy of leg distances and accuracy of internal angles.
3. Triangulation: Students were asked to complete a triangulate exercise of an unknown position from two to three known positions with a theodolite. Performance was graded based solely on the accuracy of the missing variable and calculating the area between the theodolite stations and the unknown position.
4. Boundary reconnaissance: Students were asked to calculate a series of points given any number of information that one might find on a deed/plat and utilize those in locating specific real-world points utilizing a Leica GPS unit. Performance was graded on the following criteria: Accuracy of calculated points vs plan and amount completed in time allotted.

About Surveying and Geomatics

Surveying and Geomatics involves the accurate assessment, measuring, and plotting of land and water boundaries for development projects that include buildings, roads, and bridges. Clark’s program uses state-of-the-art land surveying equipment and techniques to prepare students for entry-level work in government and private sector roles.

Learn more

• Surveying and Geomatics at Clark College
• National Society of Professional Surveyors 24th Annual Student Competition

Clark College director of Guided Pathways and Partnerships, Rhianna Johnson, was among the community leaders honored during Leadership Clark County’s A Night of Impact event on April 23 in Gaiser Student Center. A 2021 graduate of the program, Johnson continues to make a lasting impact on students and the broader community.

Tina Krause, executive director of Leadership Clark County, said: “Rhianna was nominated and selected by our board of directors to receive the Community Impact Award. This is an award given to someone who is making a difference in our community both in their job and volunteer efforts. Rhianna was chosen because of her infectious positive attitude, her initiative within the community, and her dedication to the students at Clark College. She was the perfect candidate for this award. We are so excited to honor her.”

LCC praised Rhianna on its Facebook page as a “fierce advocate for student success and has dedicated her career to education and workforce development in Clark County… She has an amazing way of understanding people, her positive attitude is infectious, and Clark County is a better place because of Rhianna.”

Johnson’s community service includes:

• Rooted School in Vancouver board of directors
• Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce education and workforce committee
• Clark County Youth Consortium
• National Job Corps Association board of directors

“Participating in Leadership Clark County was a natural fit for my passion for community development. The program connects current and aspiring leaders in Clark County to learn more about the different agencies and processes that make our community run,” said Rhianna Johnson. “In my career, I have focused on contributing to education and workforce development programs that improve economic mobility for our neighbors, which is a major component of a thriving community. I greatly appreciated working with others who are also trying to improve our small corner of the world.”

Leadership Clark County honored these LCC alumni who have made an impact on the Clark County community:

Community Impact Award: Rhianna Johnson, Clark College

Volunteer Impact Award: Scott Johnson, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA)

Advancing Equity Award: Clarissa Hightower, Southwest Washington Equity Coalition

The organization also awarded an emerging leader between age 21-30 who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to service within the Clark County community. The recipient will receive full tuition to participate in the LCC Class of 2026.

Emerging Leader Award: Maggie Bernetich, Council for the Homeless

Founded in 1993 by a group of community leaders, Leadership Clark County (LCC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic leadership program. Our mission is to develop effective leaders to enrich a thriving community.

Leadership Clark County offers a nine-month leadership development program that focuses on topics that impact the community, including education, economics, social services, and more. With over 800 alumni and growing, LCC’s graduates serve our community as nonprofit board members, civic group leaders, business leaders and elected officials.

Learn more: https://www.leadershipclarkcounty.com/

Two Clark College students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and community service at the 28th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony, held April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.

Seth Stigall Barranco and Anton Vlasov represented Clark College as members of the prestigious All-Washington Academic Team, a statewide program that honors high-achieving students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The program is part of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

They join more than 80 scholars from across Washington State who are pursuing transfer or workforce pathways and demonstrating excellence both in and out of the classroom.

Darci Feider, advisor of the Clark College PTK chapter, Alpha Sigma Pi, said, “I’m incredibly proud of Seth and Anton for being named to the All-Washington Academic Team. Their hard work and commitment to learning have made them outstanding representatives of Clark College.”

Seth Stigall Barranco

Anton Vlasov

All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony

Each student received a medal and a $250 scholarship from Key Bank. They also are eligible for additional scholarships from private sponsors and transfer scholarships for four-year colleges and universities.

Program sponsors:

• Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges
• Washington State Association of College Trustees
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges

Scholarship sponsors:

• KeyBank
• Washington State Employees Credit Union
• Washington State Association of College Trustees

Learn more

• All-Washington Academic Team
• Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
• Clark College PTK chapter, Alpha Sigma Phi

On a blustery, rainy day, students returned to Clark College for the first day of spring term on April 7. Pink and white blossoms fell from trees and danced through the wind as students shouldering backpacks hurried to classes on the main campus.

Students were greeted by Clark staff members volunteering at information tables inside buildings around campus. Helpful volunteers answered students’ questions, offered directions, provided campus maps and more. These information tables were successful in helping students feel welcomed.

Inside Bauer Hall, a student stepped up to an information table and asked for help in finding his class.

“Who teaches your class?” asked the volunteer.

The student replied, “Robert Weston. Room 106.”

The volunteer looked at the building map, pointed, and said, “Just down that hallway.”

Similar scenarios played out all over campus as students navigated to their new classes.

First Day at Boschma Farms

Almost 15 miles from the main campus, the first-ever class of students arrived at the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield. Balloons tethered to a welcome sign greeted students at the new Clark College location. During spring term, the college has scheduled a soft opening with general education classes at the AMC.

The first student to arrive was Victor Gonzalez, who was heading for Professor Brenda Rosencrans’ Math 111 algebra class upstairs in classroom 208. As soon as Gonzalez stepped through the front door, he was greeted by a contingent of staff and faculty.  Then he was offered a Penguin gift bag by his algebra professor and Vice President of Instruction William “Terry” Brown. Gonzalez was surprised that his class was being held in a brand-new building and that his was the first class to convene there.

Gonzalez, who is pursuing a degree in computer science, said his advisor and professors told him about Clark’s new Bachelor of Science in computer science program that is starting in the fall. He is looking forward to learning more about it as he steps toward his future career in computer science.

After all the algebra students had arrived, they posed with Professor Rosencrans, Dr. Brown, and other Clark staff on the stairway of the building. Then it was time to head to their classroom.

Following their class, several students asked for a tour of the building. Professor Will Zander of the new Advanced Manufacturing program showed them around.

Advanced Manufacturing Quick Facts

During fall term, the first cohort of Clark’s new advanced manufacturing program will begin at the Advanced Manufacturing Center.

• Building: Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms
• Program: Advanced Manufacturing
• Two-year degree: Integrated Technician, Associate in Applied Technology (98 credits)
• Certificate of Achievement, Introduction to Manufacturing (36 credits)
• Certificate of Proficiency, Manufacturing Operator (47 credits)
• First cohort begins: Fall 2025

Learn more

• Read The Columbian’s story about the first day at the AMC at Boschma Farms: https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/apr/07/help-us-meet-the-critical-need-clark-colleges-new-boschma-farms-capus-in-ridgefield-welcomes-students/

• Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms: https://www.clark.edu/about/visitors-guide/getting-to-clark/boschma/

• Advanced Manufacturing Academic Plan in Clark College catalog: https://catalog.clark.edu/academic-plans/advanced-manufacturing/#academicplanstext

Clark College presented its annual State of the College address in a new video format featuring messages from Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards, members of the Executive Cabinet, and ASCC President Gurraj Singh Dhami. The address highlights key achievements across the college and reinforces Clark’s commitment to student success.

Looking ahead, Clark College remains steadfast in its mission to advance education and equity while nurturing student success and driving economic growth in Southwest Washington.

President Edwards said, “In light of the current challenges facing higher education, we must remain true to our mission, values, students, and the community we serve.”

Watch the State of the College Video

2024 Highlights

Enrollment

• Increased by 1,000 students in 2024 and approaching pre-pandemic enrollment
• Our five Bachelor of Applied Science programs have greatly exceeded predicted enrollment.
• 23% of Clark students are high school students enrolled in Running Start
• More than 55% of our students plan to transfer to a four-year college, with the majority heading to Washington State University Vancouver.

Program Milestones

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program celebrated the graduation of its first cohort in spring 2024.
• Medical Assisting program earned accreditation in 2024.
• On-campus student activities signaled the rebound of a vibrant student life, with the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) reporting a 54% increase in participation from 2023.

New Programs for In-demand Fields

Working with community employers and listening to our students, Clark has developed programs that are key for the growth and economic vitality of Southwest Washington. New academic and workforce program developments include new bachelor programs, healthcare pathways, and technology.

Three new programs and one new campus launching this fall include:

• Surgical Technology — Students can begin taking foundational classes in spring and summer terms.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — Clark’s first Bachelor of Science degree.
• The Advanced Manufacturing program will be housed in our new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at our Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield. The program is undergoing final approval.
• The AMC building will have a soft launch on April 7 and an official opening in fall term.

Supporting Success for Students

Clark College recognizes that our students need more than access to higher education. We also support our students through essential programs and wraparound services.

• 35% of Clark students are from low-income backgrounds
• 47% are the first in their family to attend college

To further support our students

• Clark launched a new Basic Needs Hub in 2024.
• Clark’s Penguin Pantry distributed over 54,000 pounds of food to 800 students’ families in 2024.

Other Initiatives outlined in the State of the College

Investments in improvements in technology provided data-driven decision-making and included a new, automated solution for identifying fraud, and the completion of a multi-year project for evaluating software accessibility.

Student financial aid support: Clark’s Financial Aid office distributed more than $31 million in federal aid to Clark students despite federal delays related to the FAFSA last year.

Stable college finances: In 2024 Clark earned more revenue and spent less than expected, contributing to an increase of $1.8 million in the available fund balance which allowed for funding 6 new positions, increasing the instructional adjunct budget, and adding funding for tutoring and security improvements.

Clark College Foundation celebrated 50 years of supporting Clark’s success. Clark College Foundation has contributed $90 million to Clark initiatives since its inception and rolled out two new funds to support student success and college innovation.

Clark’s accreditation renewal is happening this fall. More than a requirement for federal financial aid, accreditation is a rigorous evaluation of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that our college fulfills its mission and meets the highest standards to deliver exceptional educational opportunities to our students.

Community invitation: President Edwards invited the community to visit our lovely campus with wildflowers in the bee gardens, cherry trees in the Japanese Friendship Garden, and a robust offering of arts, theater, athletics, and community events.

Thank You: On behalf of Clark College, President Edwards expressed gratitude to the board of trustees, students, faculty, staff, community partners, and legislative representatives for their contributions to the college’s mission to ensure that education remains equitable and accessible to all who seek to learn and grow. Through education, empowerment, and opportunity, Clark College continues to elevate individuals in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Sixteen nursing students from Clark College’s 149^th nursing cohort gathered with their loved ones on March 19 in the Gaiser Student Center to celebrate their achievement at the traditional pinning ceremony. These students earned their Associate of Arts in Nursing DTA/MRP during winter term, a significant milestone in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.

During the ceremony, Professor Nicholas Luisi presented the Clinical Excellence Award to one outstanding student. Before announcing the recipient, he told the graduates: “I am so proud of each of you. It’s been an honor to watch you grow in confidence.” He then announced that Kimberly Hoover was this year’s award recipient.

Faculty speaker Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki offered the new nurses advice including:

• You are never alone. Health care is teamwork.
• Ask questions. Stay curious.
• Prioritize self-care.
• You’ve been a support system for each other. As you enter your nursing career, find your support system.
• Success is relative. Celebrate it.
• Listen to your patients. Don’t forget that sometimes they are very scared.
• Remember your “WHY” – Remember why you worked so hard to become a nurse.

Class speakers Kristie Castle and Kim Hoover addressed their fellow students: “We are running on coffee, adrenaline, and sheer willpower. If we can handle nursing school, we can handle anything.”

Next, it was time for the pinning ceremony. In turn, each new nurse stood to be pinned by a special supporter who encouraged them over the finish line: spouses, partners, parents, siblings, children, and nursing professors crossed the stage to present a Clark College nursing pin to each new nurse.

After the new nurses had been pinned, they stood in unison and recited the nursing pledge — to uphold certain ethics and standards within their chosen profession.

The core principles of the nursing pledge are:

• Dedication to service: Nurses pledge to dedicate themselves to the nursing profession and to provide compassionate, skilled care to their patients.
•  Ethical conduct: The pledge emphasizes adhering to the code of ethics of the nursing profession and maintaining the confidentiality of their patients.
• Professional integrity: Nurses are committed to maintaining and elevating the standards of the profession.
• Patient-centered care: The pledge emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of their patients.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Nurses pledge to collaborate will all members of the healthcare team.

Nursing graduates have already applied for licensure in the state in which they want to work. They have one final step to earn an “RN” after their name. They must pass a rigorous exam, the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. It is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. 

Four nursing graduates on the stage have already taken the exam and passed.

Many of these nursing graduates shared their plans to continue their education and earn their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, or BSN at Washington State University Vancouver, Oregon Health & Science University, or Boise State University.

Several already have secured nursing jobs at a variety of Vancouver and Portland hospitals.

After the ceremony, nurses, their families, and supporters headed for the reception to celebrate with their loved ones. Although they have earned their degree Winter term, many students will participate in Clark College Commencement ceremony this year on June 18.

Congratulations to Clark’s 149^th Nursing cohort

Maria Arellano was pinned by her parents.
Plans: work in Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in the intensive care unit.

Danielle Carter was pinned by her son.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Washington State University Vancouver.

Kristie Castle was pinned by her husband and daughter.
Plans: work at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Joshua Dowdy was pinned by his girlfriend, Jennifer.
Plans: pursue continuing education in wound care.

Kaylee Elizabeth was pinned by her mother.
Plans: work in labor and delivery or a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Sarah Gish was pinned by her husband and her sister-in-law, a nurse in Tennessee.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Kim Hoover was pinned by her husband and her oldest daughter.
Plans: work at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center’s residency program; will complete her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Saharah Knittle was pinned by her husband.
Plans: work at Oregon Health & Sciences University.

Nukolai Kolobovnikov was pinned by Professor Halina Brandt-Zawadzki.
Plans: work in the ER at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland.

Kayla Lindsey was pinned by her father.
Plans: pursue her BSN at OHSU and work as a critical care nurse in an ICU.

Desiree MacPherson was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jenn McMillan was pinned by her daughter.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Bridgett Moody was pinned by her husband.
Plans: pursue her BSN at WSU Vancouver.

Josie Olson was pinned by her parents and her sister.
Plans: pursue her BSN at Boise State University.

Jamie Perez was pinned by her husband as her three young children looked on.
Plans: pursue her BSN in the fall and work in labor and delivery.

James Vanover was pinned by his mother, Julie.
Plans: work on the PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center surgical floor.

Nursing Pledge

In full knowledge and understanding, I dedicate myself to the profession of nursing. I promise to provide compassionate care with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status. I will spare no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health.

I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of those within my care. I hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action, which may endanger life or death. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level, and work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse.

Learn more about Clark College’s nursing program here.

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

By Malina Siharath, PTK Director of Public Relations

Congratulations to the 23 Clark College honors students who became members of Alpha Sigma Phi, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) during this winter term. PTK celebrated these new members at the 2025 Winter Induction Ceremony on March 4.

The official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s first PTK induction ceremony was in 1991.

Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

“Phi Theta Kappa is all about recognition,” said Darci Feider, PTK advisor. “During our induction ceremony, we recognize people for being scholars, for their achievements, and for being a part of our community.”

Additionally, Feider spoke on the importance of storytelling and connecting with the Honors In Action project that Phi Theta Kappa submitted in December 2024. Presented by Vice President of Service Jude Georgeades-Tambara, the Honors in Action project is a PTK program that combines academic research and service to address issues within students’ communities. The project’s 2024-2025 theme, The Power of Storytelling, was encapsulated in the induction.

2024-25 PTK Officers

The 2024-25 PTK officers are Mary Chavez, Vice President of Scholarship; Lindsey Quiroz, Vice President of Fellowship; Jude Georgeades-Tambara, Vice President of Service, and Malina Siharath, Director of Public Relations.

Officer Applications Open

Officer applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Benefits include professional development, public speaking skills, networking, training, and travel opportunities.

All-Washington Academic Team

PTK scholars representing Clark College will join PTK scholars from all the state’s 34 community and technical colleges to be recognized at the 2025 All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.

The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students attending two-year colleges. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers, the individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success in their classrooms and in their communities. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges. Learn more here.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Q: What is Phi Theta (PTK)?

A: Phi Theta Kappa is the international official Honors Society for two-year colleges.

Q: How does PTK benefit students?

A: Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students. It provides opportunities for its members to achieve academic and career success through scholarships and leadership training.

Q: Where are PTK chapters?

A: PTK has a presence at almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.

Q: What is the history of PTK?

A: PTK was established in 1918. Later, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.

Q: How many students have been inducted into PTK?

A: More than 3.5 million students have been inducted into PTK.

Q: How many active PTK members are there?

A: There are about 250,000 active PTK members in the nation’s community colleges.

PTK at Clark College

Clark College has recognized Phi Theta Kappa as an official honor society since 1991. PTK doesn’t just recognize students’ academic success. It also provides them opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills, earn scholarships, explore career paths — and make their worlds a lot bigger.
Clark College’s Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter
Contact: ptk@clark.edu

Learn more about PTK

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society main page

Photo: Clark College/Susan Parrish